Berezina T.N. Internal Space of the Dream

Abstract: The model of formation of the dream space as a form of existence of mental images and images of the highest order is offered. The internal space of a dream is considered as a special case of mental space. The theoretical basis for the model is the idea that the psyche is a special form of reality having the nature other than the biological nature of the brain and the physical nature of the outside world as well as the concept of the psyche as the spacelike formation outside the brain. In the article the following features of a dream space are marked out: 1) the dream space is figurative, 2) a dreamer sees it as external but not internal, 3) this is the altered state of consciousness, 4) a dreamer sees the dream space as physical reality and images as real objects, etc. It is noted that the central problem of formation of the dream space is the emergence of feeling of gravitation. The author claims that the feeling of weight in a dream is a subjectively endured feeling of an attraction to one's own organism. The following three components of a mental image are defined: exteroceptive, interoceptive and proprioceptive. The author makes a supposition that the interoceptive component is the basis of formation of the internal space, the proprioceptive component creates the feeling of weight in this space and the exteroceptive component creates visual images. 

Keywords: